Apparatus And System For Storing And Protecting Boards Used For Boardsports

ABSTRACT

The present invention is generally related to storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, and more particularly related to one or more embodiments of an apparatus comprising a board ground absorption pad for placement on a horizontal surface in a storage location, wherein the board ground absorption pad protects a boardsport board from damage caused by the surface, protects the surface from damage caused by the boardsport board, and protects the storage location from runoff debris falling off of the boardsport board (such as water, for example). One or more embodiments of a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports are also disclosed comprising the ground adsorption pad used in combination with a top grip, such as a board wall grip suction pad or a board wall grip stick-on pad, wherein the top grip may be mounted on a vertical surface in a storage location and may assist in keeping the boardsport board upright while also protecting against damage to the boardsport board caused by the vertical surface, and against damage to the vertical surface cause by the boardsport board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, and more particularly related to one or more embodiments of an apparatus comprising a board ground absorption pad for placement on a horizontal surface in a storage location, wherein the board ground absorption pad protects a boardsport board from damage caused by the surface, protects the surface from damage caused by the boardsport board, and protects the storage location from runoff debris falling off of the boardsport board (such as water, for example). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports is also disclosed. The system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports may comprise the ground adsorption pad used in combination with a top grip, such as a board wall grip suction pad or a board wall grip stick-on pad, wherein the top grip may be mounted on a vertical surface in a storage location and may assist in keeping the boardsport board upright while also protecting against damage to the boardsport board caused by the vertical surface, and against damage to the vertical surface cause by the boardsport board. The herein disclosed apparatus and system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports may also promote presentation of a boardsport board in an aesthetically pleasing manner within the storage location.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility application takes priority to the previously filed provisional application: Application No. 62/280,267, filed 19 Jan. 2016, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, and more particularly related to one or more embodiments of an apparatus comprising a board ground absorption pad for placement on a horizontal surface in a storage location, wherein the board ground absorption pad protects a boardsport board from damage caused by the surface, protects the surface from damage caused by the boardsport board, and protects the storage location from runoff debris falling off of the boardsport board (such as water, for example). One or more embodiments of a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports are also disclosed comprising the ground adsorption pad used in combination with a top grip, such as a board wall grip suction pad or a board wall grip stick-on pad, wherein the top grip may be mounted on a vertical surface in a storage location and may assist in keeping the boardsport board upright while also protecting against damage to the boardsport board caused by the vertical surface, and against damage to the vertical surface cause by the boardsport board.

The present invention pertains to the field of boardsports, which involve a participant or user riding a board. The board may be referred to as a boardsport board, or a board for use in board sports. Examples of boardsport boards include a surfboard for use in the boardsport surfing, a snowboard for use in the boardsport snowboarding, a wakeboard for use in the boardsport wakeboarding, a kiteboard for use in the boardsport kiteboarding, and a skateboard for use in the boardsport skateboarding. These boardsports, and their respective boards, are sometimes referred to as outdoor sports (whether or not the sport is actually practiced outdoor; for example, skateboarding events are often held indoors but a skateboard is nonetheless relevant to the present invention).

The current state of the art for storing and protecting boardsport boards varies by sport, but typically involves either a storage bag for the board or a storage rack for the board. Storage bags are cumbersome and while they do offer some protection to boards while not in use, storage bags offer very little to facilitate storage of boards because a storage bag offers no assistance in either standing the board upright or stacking the board horizontally. Storage racks, as will be seen in the prior art, can offer limited protection of the board itself and facilitate storage of the board. But storage racks are often rigidly constructed, meaning that they are heavy, expensive, large in size, and may require a complex or detailed attachment process.

For these reasons, in practice often boardsport board users simply put their board in a room or garage, laying on the ground or floor of the storage location. This has many drawbacks. The floor or ground beneath the board can become damaged due to the weight of some types of larger boards. If a bare board is leaning up against a wall, the wall may also become damaged due to the weight of the board or dirtied due to the runoff. At the same time, the board itself may become damaged (denting and cracking of the board may occur, for example) due to a hard or rough surface of a storage location floor or wall. Finally, many boardsport boards are used in water and during storage the water, and other accompanying debris, often runs from the board onto the floor or ground of the storage location.

The limitations of a number of prior art references will not be explained. U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,968 to Largent et al. (hereinafter “Largent et al.”) discloses a storage rack for use with sports equipment, including boardsport boards. Largent et al. does provide for upright storage of boardsport boards, but the rack includes rigid (presumably metal and therefore expensive) construction, is physically large and therefore not ideal for home use, and does not provide for preventing runoff debris from running on the floor or ground and therefore does not prevent runoff debris related damage from happening to the floor or ground. Other examples of rigid boardsport board storage racks, not providing for prevention of runoff-related damage, include U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,304 to Baldacchino disclosing a water sport equipment rack without any structure for catching runoff debris, U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,517 to Reed et al. disclosing a snowboard support and display rack without any structure for catching runoff debris, U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,226 to Williams, Jr. similarly disclosing wall-mountable brackets for storing and displaying board-based recreational equipment without any structure for catching runoff debris.

Other types of storage racks or storage devices can be found in the prior art that are not as rigidly constructed, thereby allowing for adjustment of the display angle and ease of attachment. But again, these prior art references do not disclose any structure that functions to catch runoff debris and thereby prevent damage to the floor or ground of the storage location. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,051 to Garceau (hereinafter “Garceau”) discloses an elongated board vertical holding device for quick, easy, and adjustable loading of the board. But Garceau fails to disclose any structure for catching runoff debris, as is apparent looking at the Garceau skeletal-like design. And U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,639 to Chen (hereinafter “Chen”) discloses a roller board display device allowing a board owner to rest the board in a vertical position, as in the present invention. But the Chen device is small, thereby limiting its applicability to heavier boardsport boards like surfboards. And Chen also fails to disclose any structure for catching runoff debris and thereby fails to prevent runoff-related damage to the floor or ground of the storage location.

It is apparent, therefore, that there exists a long felt need for a simple storage and protection solution for boardsport boards while not in use, wherein the solution provides for prevention of damage to the board itself while at the same time providing for prevention of runoff-related damage to the floor or ground of the storage location. The present invention addresses this long felt need by including functional structure for catching runoff water and any associated debris, thereby protecting the floor or ground of the storage location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a general overview of an embodiment of a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a board ground absorption pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a board ground absorption pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a board wall grip suction pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a board wall grip suction pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a board wall grip stick-on pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a board wall grip stick-on pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, and more particularly related to one or more embodiments of an apparatus comprising a board ground absorption pad for placement on a horizontal surface in a storage location, wherein the board ground absorption pad protects a boardsport board from damage caused by the surface, protects the surface from damage caused by the boardsport board, and protects the storage location from runoff debris falling off of the boardsport board (such as water, for example). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports is also disclosed. The system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports may comprise the ground adsorption pad used in combination with a top grip, such as a board wall grip suction pad or a board wall grip stick-on pad, wherein the top grip may be mounted on a vertical surface in a storage location and may assist in keeping the boardsport board upright while also protecting against damage to the boardsport board caused by the vertical surface, and against damage to the vertical surface cause by the boardsport board. The herein disclosed apparatus and system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports may also promote presentation of a boardsport board in an aesthetically pleasing manner within the storage location

Referring to FIG. 1, the herein disclosed apparatus and system for storage and protection of boards used for boardsports is illustrated in isometric view. System for storing a boardsport board while not in use 101 comprises board ground absorption pad 110 and top grip 120. Board ground absorption pad 110 is utilized by placing board ground absorption pad 110 on a horizontal surface at the desired storage location, thus providing support, cushioning, and debris collection between a bottom portion of the boardsport board and the horizontal surface (a floor, for example) of the storage location. Top grip 120 may be utilized by attaching top grip 120 to a vertical surface at the desired storage location. Alternatively, top grip 120 may be utilized by attached top grip 120 to the boardsport board, and resting a cushioned surface of top grip 120 on a vertical surface at the desired storage location. In this way, when a user is using system for storing a boardsport board while not in use 101, a bottom portion of the board rests on board ground absorption pad 110, with board ground absorption pad 110 bearing most of the weight of the boardsport board, while the opposite portion of the board may lean (or rests) against a cushioned surface of top grip 120, top grip 120 being attached to the vertical surface at the desired location. Alternatively, top grip 120 is initially attached to the boardsport board, and then a cushioned surface of top grip 120 leans against the vertical surface at the desired storage location.

Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, board ground absorption pad 110 is illustrated both from a top view (FIG. 2A) and an isometric view (FIG. 2B). Board ground absorption pad 110 may, in an exemplary embodiment, be shaped substantially as an oval (or an oval disc) and may be formed of silicon rubber. Silicon rubber has advantageous characteristics for the herein disclosed apparatus and system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports. For example, silicon rubber is waterproof, non-marking, soft, and easy to wash. But it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be formed of alternate materials (such as rubber, closed cell foam, or plastics, for example), and all such possible construction materials are intended to be included herein. Similarly, board ground absorption pad 110 may be alternatively shaped without drastic reduction in functionality and all such possible shapes are intended to be included herein. For example, board ground absorption pad 110 may be substantially rectangle shaped, or substantially triangle shaped, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Board ground absorption pad 110 includes a runoff-related damage prevention structure. Runoff-related damage prevention structure may be any structure that functions to collect any debris that may fall off of the boardsport board during storage in the herein disclosed apparatus and system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports. Runoff debris, which may be referred to as debris, may include any type of runoff that may fall, or drip, off of the board after use. Runoff debris may include water, snow, salt, wax, dirt, sand, or any artifacts that have accumulated on the board, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, Runoff-related damage prevention structure may include elevated border 210, which may span board ground absorption pad 110's circumference. In this way, by spanning the circumference of board ground absorption pad 110, elevated border 210 can contain and collect runoff debris and thereby prevent runoff debris from ultimately ending up on the horizontal surface (floor or ground) at the storage location and thus damaging the horizontal surface.

Board ground absorption pad 110 may also include inside pocket 220. Inside pocket 220 includes the portion of board ground absorption pad 110 that is inside of elevated border 210. Inside pocket 220 functions to collect the runoff debris that is contained within board ground absorption pad 110 by elevated border 210, thus preventing runoff-related damage to the horizontal surface from occurring.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a set of raised drain ridges 221. The raised drain ridges may be formed within inside pocket 220 by the material forming board ground absorption pad 110, or alternatively, can be formed a another material (or the same material) and attached to the structure of board ground absorption pad 110. Raised drain ridges 221 may rise from a floor of board ground absorption pad 110 at a board angle. The set of raised drain ridges may be formed at the board angle so that the board angle is roughly perpendicular to an angle at which the boardsport board angles off the vertical surface (the wall, for example) at the storage location. In an exemplary embodiment, board angle is approximately 10 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. The word approximately is used in order to include similar angles that may fall just outside the stated range, but nonetheless function to store the board at a desirable (or aesthetically pleasing) angle. The set of raised drain ridges 221 contrast with lower levels 222 within inside pocket 220, so that debris (including water) is collected within lower levels 220 of inside pocket 220, while the raised drain ridges 221 provide heightened support for the board, so that the board is stored above, and ideally out of, the collected debris. Alternative embodiments of raised drain ridges 221 may include: a deeper pocket formed so as to allow collection a larger volume of debris, raised ridges that are contoured to better fit particular boards, or raised ridges that are contoured to hold the board in a particular region of board ground absorption pad 110.

Board ground absorption pad 110 may be described as an apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use, as opposed to the system for storing a boardsport board while not in use which comprises the board ground absorption pad 110 in combination with a top grip 120, also disclosed herein. Board ground absorption pad 110 may include additional features, such as one or more compartments to hold boardsport accessories such as wax or tools, routing for drainage of accumulated debris, a grippy surfaces on the bottom of board ground absorption pad 110 functioning to keep the pad from slipping, or one or more imprinted logos or phrases for identifying a product brand or an owner/user, for example.

Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D, various embodiments of top grip 120 are illustrated. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a top grip 120 having a set of one or more suction cups. Set of one or more suction cups 121 are located on one side of top grip 120, while the opposite side of top grip 120 includes a cushioned surface 125. In this exemplary embodiment, a user may attach set of suction cups 121 directly to the boardsport board. With set of suction cups 121 attached to the board, the cushioned surface 125 can then be leaned against the vertical surface of the storage location, thus storing the board in a vertical orientation without damaging the vertical surface of the storage location. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other attachment means besides suction cups may be utilized to attach top grip 120 to the boardsport board, and all such attachment means are intended to be included herein.

Referring to FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D, top grip 120 is illustrated as including adhesive surface 131 and cushioned surface 135, with the cushioned surface 135 being opposite adhesive surface 131. In this embodiment, a user may attach adhesive surface 131 of top grip 120 to the vertical surface of the storage location. With top grip 120 attached to the vertical surface, the boardsport board may be leaned against cushioned surface 135 and thus prevent damage to the vertical surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive portion of adhesive surface 131 may encompasses less than the entirety of adhesive surface 131. For example, an adhesive strip, such as hook and loop fasteners, may provide the adhesiveness to adhesive surface 131, and the hook and loop fasteners may take up less than the entirety of adhesive strip 131. In this exemplary embodiment, one side of the hook and loop fasteners may be attached to top grip 120 at adhesive surface 131, while the opposing side of the hook and loop fasteners may be attached to the vertical surface at the storage location. In this way, this exemplary embodiment of the herein disclosed system for storing boardsport boards allows for removal from the vertical surface with possible re-attachment at a later time.

An alternative embodiment of the herein disclosed system for storing boardsport boards includes a board ground absorption pad and a top grip, wherein the top grip has a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface, as opposed to the top grip having a cushioned surface and an adhesive surface. In this alternative embodiment, a user may attach the top grip to a boardsport board via a first adhesive side, and attach the second adhesive surface to the vertical surface of the storage location. An additional alternative embodiment includes an arrangement wherein the top grip includes an adhesive surface and on the opposite surface, includes a set of one or more suction cups. In this alternative embodiment, a user may attach the top grip to the boardsport board via the set of one or more suction cups, and attach the top grip to the vertical surface of the storage location via the adhesive surface.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described herein in terms of a preferred embodiment and several alternatives, it is to be understood that the apparatus described herein can have a multitude of additional uses and applications. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited to just the particular description and various drawing figures contained in this specification that merely illustrate a preferred embodiment and application of the principles of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use, comprising: a board ground absorption pad having a runoff-related damage prevention structure.
 2. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 1, wherein the runoff-related damage prevention structure includes an inside pocket for collecting runoff debris.
 3. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 2, wherein the inside pocket includes an elevated border spanning a circumference of the board ground absorption pad.
 4. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 1, wherein the board ground absorption pad is formed of silicon rubber.
 5. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 2, wherein the inside pocket includes a set of raised drain ridges.
 6. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 5, wherein the set of raised drain ridges have a board angle.
 7. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 6, wherein the board angle is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.
 8. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 5, wherein the set of raised drain ridges fir a contour of the boardsport board to hold the boardsport board in place.
 9. A system for storing a boardsport board while not in use, comprising: a board ground absorption pad having a runoff-related damage prevention structure, and a top grip.
 10. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes a cushioned surface and an adhesive surface.
 11. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the adhesive surface attaches to a vertical surface of a storage location and wherein an upper portion of the boardsport board rests against the cushioned surface.
 12. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes a cushioned surface and a set of one or more suction cups.
 13. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 12, wherein the set of one or more suction cups attaches to an upper portion of the boardsport board, and wherein the cushioned surface rests against a vertical surface of a storage location.
 14. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the runoff-related damage prevention structure includes an elevated border spanning a circumference of the board ground absorption pad and an inside pocket for collecting runoff debris.
 15. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 14, wherein the board ground absorption pad is a oval disc formed of silicon rubber.
 16. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 14, wherein the inside pocket includes a set of raised drain ridges.
 17. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 16, wherein the set of raised drain ridges have a board angle of approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.
 18. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface.
 19. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes an adhesive surface and a set of one or more suction cups.
 20. A system for storing a boardsport board while not in use, comprising: a board ground absorption pad having a runoff-related damage prevention structure, wherein the board ground absorption pad is an oval disc formed of silicon rubber having an inside pocket for collecting runoff debris, and wherein the runoff-related damage prevention structure has an elevated border spanning a circumference of the board ground absorption pad and wherein the inside pocket for collecting runoff debris includes a set of raised drain ridges having a board angle of approximately 15 degrees to approximately 45 degrees; and a top grip having a cushioned surface and an attachment surface. 